Why You Shouldn’t Pick a Release Date Until Your Book Is Finished

📘 Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 35

I get it. The excitement of writing a book makes you want to announce a release date right away. You want the accountability, the pressure, the sense of momentum.

But here’s the truth: setting a release date before your book is finished is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

Not because books take forever to write—I’ve seen authors finish manuscripts in as little as five weeks. The real reason is this: once your manuscript leaves your hands, the process is no longer fully in your control. And too many things can stall your timeline.

🚫 Why Early Release Dates Backfire

Even if you finish your manuscript quickly, here’s what you can’t control:

• Formatting delays. Interior design is highly detailed work. A 60,000-word book often requires multiple back-and-forth revisions.

• Cover design. If you don’t have a clear vision—or hire the wrong designer—you could be stuck in endless revisions.

• Foreword writers. Many authors wait weeks (sometimes months) for their foreword writer to complete the foreword.

• Publishing platform delays. Amazon KDP’s quality assurance checks can take days, and last-minute errors may force re-uploads.

• Proofing. You’ll always catch mistakes in a print proof that you didn’t see on screen. Always.

• Author copies. If you’re planning a launch party, keep in mind: author copies can take 3–5 weeks to arrive.

The risk? You either blow your release date—or launch a book that isn’t truly ready.

✅ A Smarter Way to Build Accountability

If you thrive under deadlines, you can still set them—just not for your book launch. Instead:

• Set a manuscript deadline. Tell your editor or publisher when they’ll have your draft.

• Add weekly calendar invites. Block writing or recording sessions on your calendar, and treat them as non-negotiable.

• Loop in accountability partners. Share your deadlines with someone who will check in.

This keeps you moving forward without boxing yourself into an unrealistic launch date.

📅 When to Pick Your Release Date

The best time to pick your release date is after you’ve approved your proof copy. That’s the point where you know the book is finalized, error-free, and ready to go.

From there, give yourself a minimum of 30 days for launch marketing—ideally 60. Building buzz, securing pre-orders, and lining up reviews takes time. A solid marketing plan is just as important as the book itself.

💡 Final Word

Publishing is too big, too important, and too unpredictable to rush. Don’t set yourself up for failure by announcing a release date before your manuscript is done.

Instead, focus on finishing strong, building in review time, and planning a thoughtful launch. That’s how you release a book you’re proud of—and one your readers can’t wait to grab.

Keep writing your story—because the world needs your voice.
—Renee